Spike Lee Weighs Obama-Romney Matchup

Spike Lee Weighs Obama-Romney Matchup

Spike Lee says President Obama must rekindle the 2008 level of voter enthusiasm.

Published June 12, 2012

Spike Lee makes his living being a keen observer. And while he wholeheartedly supports President Obama, he also recognizes why people who are not racists and genuinely like the president are feeling disenchanted. In an interview with GQ published June 12, the filmmaker says a second term for Obama is not a lock and his campaign is going to have to "rekindle that enthusiasm" voters felt in 2008.

"I can't say to all the people that are unhappy with him that they're racist people. People ain't got jobs, people are hurting," said Lee, adding that he had just met with someone "high up" in the campaign. "So I don't care what color you are, if people are out of work, it's tough. And then when you're the first African-American president, that's not helping either."

Lee, who recently hosted a fundraiser for the president, suggested that Republican Mitt Romney's biggest appeal right now is that he's not Obama, which voters will appreciate for very different reasons later in the campaign season.

"Once we get to the debates my man is going to tear him up! It's going to be obvious who should lead this country for the next four years once they go head to head, toe to toe, elbow to elbow, butt to butt," Lee said. "And I don't think Mr. Romney can hang with him."

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